The National Football League released the 2011 preseason schedule Tuesday, despite the ongoing player lockout.

The Baltimore Ravens are slated to open the preseason against the defending NFC East Champion Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly. The game is to be played the weekend of August 11-15. The Ravens have not faced the Eagles since a 36-7 Week 12 victory in 2008, a game that is best remembered for Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid benching starting QB Donovan McNabb in favor of backup Kevin Kolb.

The Ravens will play their first home preseason game the weekend of August 18-22 against the defending AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens ended the Chiefs’ 2010 season with a 30-7 victory in the AFC Wild Card playoff round at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Ravens are again slated for a preseason battle against their neighbors to the south, as they host the Washington Redskins on Thursday, August 25. The game is scheduled for an 8pm kickoff from Charm City and is set to be broadcast nationally on ESPN. The Ravens won a 23-3 decision over the Skins in Week 2 of the 2010 preseason at FedEx Field.

The Ravens will wrap their preseason schedule on the road for a third consecutive season. The Ravens are slated to visit the defending NFC South champion Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, September 1. The Ravens dropped a 26-21 Thursday Night Football contest at the Georgia Dome in Week 10 last season. This will mark the third time in four years that the Ravens will face the Falcons in their preseason finale.

Outside of the Redskins game, the other games are slated to air on WBAL11.

The NFL has said it will announce the 2011 regular season schedule later this month with or without an agreement between owners and the NFLPA.